A Blackburn and a Burnley community group have each been handed a £1,000 funding boost to support the vital work they do.

Blackburn-based Sliding Doors was given the money as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards which is giving away more than £1m to charities throughout the year. 

Sliding Doors is a charity offering social activities, and worthwhile volunteering opportunities for people with disabilities, learning difficulties and those who are lonely and isolated. The charity has its own community hub, a welcoming home-from-home place for people to enjoy activities, meet new people or just have a cup of tea and a chat. 

The £1,000 donation will enable the charity to reach out to younger adults with additional needs who have few opportunities available to them, giving them a purpose, new friends and more fun in their lives.

Julie Astley, chief officer at Sliding Doors said:  “Sliding Doors is a place of friendship and fun, we provide activities and support for vulnerable people where they can meet others in a safe environment, enjoy activities and get support in a way they understand. 

"We enable people who are lonely and isolated to meet others, build friendships and have fun. 

"Our groups also enable people to learn new skills, join in activities and even volunteer helping others. Our project aims to end isolation and discrimination whilst improving the mental and physical health of vulnerable people, so we would like to thank you for this donation.”

Award-winning amateur theatre society Burnley Light Opera Society was also awarded £1,000. 

Burnley Light Opera Society were also awarded £1,000Since their first production in 1934 of “Rose Marie”, Burnley Light Opera Society has produced countless shows.

Group chief executive at Benefact Group Mark Hews, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good Awards. 

“We are delighted to be able to donate over £1million to good causes each year through our Movement for Good Awards and are grateful to all our supporters, including the customers of the trusted insurer, Ecclesiastical, and the responsible and sustainable asset manager, EdenTree. 

"We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Benefact Group has donated over £200million to charitable causes since 2014.